Identifying and characterising AI adopters
A novel approach based on big data
This work employs a novel approach to identify and characterise firms adopting Artificial
Intelligence (AI), using different sources of large microdata. Focusing on the United
Kingdom, the analysis combines data on Intellectual Property Rights, website information,
online job postings, and firm-level financials for the first time. It shows that a
significant share of AI adopters is active in Information and Communication Technologies
and professional services, and is located in the South of the United Kingdom, particularly
around London. Adopters tend to be highly productive and larger than other firms,
while young adopters tend to hire AI workers more intensively. Human capital appears
to play an important role, not only for AI adoption but also for firms’ productivity
returns. Significant differences in the characteristics of AI adopters emerge when
distinguishing between firms carrying out AI innovation, those with an AI core business,
and those searching for AI talent.
Published on December 19, 2022
In series:OECD Science, Technology and Industry Working Papersview more titles